Harold E. Olson, 85, of Redfield, SD, died Monday, August 24, 2009 at Eastern Star Home in Redfield. His funeral will be Friday, August 28, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Redfield. Reverend Brian Wasmoen will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery with full military rites. Visitation will be Thursday from 1-8:00 p.m. with the family present from 5-7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Harold was born February 24, 1924 to Bernhard and Hilda (Anderson) Olson. He attended country school across the road from the family farm for eight years. He graduated from Frankfort High School in 1942. Harold married Melva M. Newman on September 25, 1949. They lived and worked the family farm north of Frankfort until retiring in 1986 and moving to Redfield where they have lived for the past twenty-three years.

Harold served his country, first in the National Guard from 1948-1950, before being called into active duty with the United States Army from 1950-1952, during the Korean War. He earned the rank of sergeant and was in charge of infantry training. He was honorably discharged in 1952.

Harold became involved with the Jaycees and was selected as Redfield's Outstanding Young Farmer in 1956 and placed third in the state competition. He spent nine years on the Board of Directors of South Dakota Wheat Growers. He also served for several years on the Spink County Irrigation District and was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Frankfort. He was a member of the Frankfort Legion and later transferred to Redfield. Harold just received his fifty year pin. He served over thirty years as Clerk of Harmony Township. Harold was also president of the Frankfort Public School Board for one term. As a lifelong member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Harold served on the church board.

Harold enjoyed reading, playing cards, attending his children's and grandchildren's activities, and traveling. The highlight of their travels was a trip to Norway in 1986. Harold and Melva were honored by the Redfield Press as the first recipients of the RHS Booster award.

Harold is survived by his devoted wife, of almost sixty years, Melva of Redfield, daughter Linda (Dewayne) Siebrasse of Aberdeen, SD and grandchildren Ryan (Kate) and Nicole; son Dallas (Susan) Olson of Frankfort and grandchildren Billy (Shannon) Sherman and Jason (Jennifer) Sherman; and daughter Darlys (Curtis) Zaske of Sioux Falls, SD and grandchildren Adam (Erin), Anitra and Aaron and five great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his three sisters: Margaret Roberson, Ruth Lips and Agnes Davidson.